Suspension header transport

ABSTRACT

A transportable agricultural combine header includes a frame and a wheel assembly attached to the frame. The wheel assembly includes: (a) at least one spindle to which a wheel is configured to be mounted; (b) a rotatable arm connected to and extending from the spindle; (c) a frame attachment structure attaching the at least one spindle and the rotatable arm to the frame; and (d) a suspension system interconnecting the rotatable arm and the frame attachment structure for reducing stress on the frame as the agricultural combine header is transported.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a transport system for cropgathering devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to asuspension system for an integrated transport system for combineheaders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To increase harvesting efficiency, agricultural implements andharvesters, such as combines, have increased in size and capacity. Withthis increase in capacity, the detachable header attached to the combinefor picking a crop has increased in size as well. The increased size ofthe header has resulted in transportation difficulties in moving theheader from field to field.

In many instances, larger headers must be transported down roads in alength-wise orientation. Most operators use a separate trailer totransport these headers. The conditions of the roads may not always beideal for smooth transport of the header. For example, the road surfacemay be uneven or have pot-holes. Headers do not have a suspensionsystem, thus, as the header is towed down the road, the rough roadconditions will generate frame loading, stress and vibrations on theheader.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a header that includes asuspension system and integral wheels for transportation that dampensthe reaction between the header frame and the road, and reduces frameloading as the header is transported.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a transportable agriculturalcombine header includes a frame and a wheel assembly attached to theframe. The wheel assembly includes: (a) at least one spindle to which awheel is configured to be mounted; (b) a rotatable arm connected to andextending from the spindle; (c) a frame attachment structure attachingthe at least one spindle and the rotatable arm to the frame; and (d) asuspension system interconnecting the rotatable arm and the frameattachment structure for reducing stress on the frame as theagricultural combine header is transported.

According to another aspect of the invention, wheel assembly for atransportable agricultural combine header includes: (a) at least onespindle to which a wheel is configured to be mounted; (b) a rotatablearm connected to and extending from the spindle; (c) a frame attachmentstructure for attaching the at least one spindle and the rotatable armto the frame; and (d) a suspension system interconnecting the rotatablearm and the frame attachment structure for reducing stress on the frameas the agricultural combine header is transported.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the suspension systemcomprises a torsion axle, shock absorber, spring, coil spring, leafspring and/or damper that is/are connected between the frame attachmentstructure and the rotatable arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a transportablecombine header;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of atransportable combine header;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of still another embodiment of atransportable combine header;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of atransportable combine header, wherein the wheel assembly is shown in astored position;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged and detailed view of a wheel assembly attached tothe frame of the combine header of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is another enlarged and detailed view of the wheel assembly withthe wheel omitted to reveal other features of the wheel assembly; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a torsion axle of thewheel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughthe several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates anembodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification isnot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

The terms “forward”, “rearward”, “left” and “right”, when used inconnection with the agricultural combine and/or components thereof areusually determined with reference to the direction of forward operativetravel of the combine, but again, they should not be construed aslimiting. The terms “longitudinal” and “traverse” are not determinedwith reference to the fore-and-aft direction of the combine and areequally not to be construed as limiting.

As is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,926,249, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety, FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of anembodiment of an agricultural implement, for example, a combine header(header) 10 in a transport configuration. Header 10 may be secured to anagricultural vehicle such as a combine (not shown) as is known in theart and not further discussed. The header 10 may include additionalcomponents such as, but not limited to a cutter bar and/or a reel (notshown). The header 10 includes a frame 12 that extends laterally betweenopposing first end 14 and second end 16. The first end 14 may bereferred to as a lead tow end, since the first end 14 is attached closerto a towing vehicle (not shown) during transport. The second end 16 maybe referred to as a trailing tow end, since this end is further awayfrom any towing vehicle during transport. The frame 12 includes an upperbeam 18 and a lower beam 20. Alternatively, if the frame 12 issegmented, then there can be multiple upper and lower beams.

The header 10 further includes a back sheet or rear wall 22 disposedbetween the upper beam 18 and lower beam 20 and generally supported bythe frame 12. The rear wall 22 extends between the first end 14 andsecond end 16. The rear wall 22 includes an outside surface 23. Theheader 10 also includes an attachment frame 35 surrounding an opening 36and extending rearward from the rear wall 22 for passing cut cropmaterial rearward into a feeder house of a combine (not shown). Inanother embodiment, the attachment frame 35 does not extendsubstantially rearward from the rear wall, but is substantially in theplane of the frame 12. The frame 12 further includes bottom supportcomponents 24 that extend away from the lower beam 20. In anotherembodiment, the bottom support components 24 may extend away from therear wall 12. The header 10 still further includes additional surfacesand supports, such as a cutter bar, which have been omitted forsimplicity.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the header 10 includes an integratedsuspension transport system 40. The suspension transport system 40includes a wheel assembly 42 and a trailer attachment or trailer tongue44. The suspension transport system 40 includes a pivot wheel assembly46, a stabilizer or jack stand 48, and trailer attachment extension ortrailer tongue extension 50. In this exemplary embodiment, the wheelassembly 42 is shown disposed proximate the opening 36. In anotherembodiment, the wheel assembly 42 is disposed between the opening 36 andthe second end 16.

The trailer tongue 44 may be fixed, detachable, or retractableunderneath the frame 12 of the header 10. In this exemplary embodiment,the pivot wheel assembly 46 is attached to the trailer tongue 44 and isfree to pivot around its vertical axis to assist in steering or turningthe header 10 during transport. The trailer tongue extension 50 iscoupled to the trailer tongue 44, and may be used to reach a coupling orhitch that is located underneath the combine. In this exemplaryembodiment, the pivot wheel assembly 46 includes a pair of wheels 52,however, in another embodiment, the pivot wheel assembly 46 may includeone or more wheels 52. Still furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment,the jack stand 48 is attached to first end 14 of the header 10. Inanother embodiment, the jack stand 48 may be attached to the trailertongue 44 or to the rear of the header (or to the frame 12).

FIG. 2 shows another rear perspective view of an embodiment of theheader 10 in a transport configuration. In this embodiment, the pivotwheel assembly 46 is releasably attached to a bottom support component(not shown) between the wheel assembly 42 and the first end 14. In thisexemplary embodiment, the pivot wheel assembly 46 includes a wheel 52,however, in another embodiment, the pivot wheel assembly 46 may includeone or more wheels 52. A similar bottom support component 24 can be seenthrough the opening 36. The bottom support component extends toward thefront of the header 10 from the lower beam 20 toward the front of theheader 10, and is similar to bottom beam 24 which can be seen throughopening 36. In another embodiment, the pivot wheel assembly 46 may bereleasably attached to the lower beam 20.

FIG. 3 shows another rear perspective view of an embodiment of theheader 10 in a transport configuration. In this embodiment, the pivotwheel assembly 46 is attached to the lower beam 20. The pivot wheelassembly 46 is configured to swing up and against the outside surface 23of rear wall 22 when the header 10 is in a harvest configuration. Themechanism for swinging the pivot wheel assembly 46 into a positionproximate the outside surface 23 may be a manual operation in which anoperator removes a pin to position the wheel assembly in a storageposition, and replaces the pin to secure the position. The mechanism forswinging the pivot wheel assembly 46 and/or wheel assembly 42 into astored position may also be an automatic or pneumatic operation in whichthe operator presses a button in a cab of the combine to change aposition of the pivot wheel assembly 46 or wheel assembly 42.

FIG. 4 is a rear view perspective of the combine header of FIG. 1,wherein the wheel assembly is shown in a fully retracted and storedposition, for example, a harvest configuration. As can be seen in FIG.4, first and second wheels 70, 84 are stored and positioned behind,rearward, adjacent and proximate to the rear wall 22 and above the lowerbeam 20. In another embodiment, another wheel assembly 42 is presentbetween the opening 36 and the first end 14, and the wheels from theanother wheel assembly 42 would also be stored and positioned behind,rearward, adjacent and proximate to the rear wall 22 and above thebottom surface 103 when in a harvest configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, those figures depict the wheelassembly 42 of the combine header 10 of any of FIGS. 1-4. It should beunderstood that the details of the wheel assembly 42 described hereinmay also apply to the wheel assembly 46.

The wheel assembly 42 comprises a frame attachment structure 43 that isconnected to the frame 12. The frame attachment structure 43 is anelongate arm that is configured to be moved between a stowed positionand a deployed position (shown). A rotatable arm 49 is connected to theframe attachment structure 43 by a suspension system in the form of atorsion axle 47. The rotatable arm 49, which is also an elongatestructure and may be referred to as a torsion arm, is configured torotate with respect to the frame attachment structure 43 via the torsionaxle 47. A spindle 53 extends transversely from the rotatable arm 49,and the wheel 51 is configured to be connected to the spindle 53 in aconventional fashion. In FIG. 5A, the wheel assembly 42 is shown in atransport configuration with the wheel 51 in a deployed or towingposition.

The wheel assembly 42 is connected to the frame 12 so as to move betweendeployed and retracted positions with respect to the frame 12. Anactuator 59 is connected between the frame 12 and the wheel assembly 42for moving the wheel assembly 42 between the deployed and retractedpositions. The actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder or electric motor,for example. The wheel assembly 42 can also be manually moved betweendeployed and retracted positions without an actuator.

The torsion axle 47 is connected directly to the frame attachmentstructure 43 as well as the rotatable arm 49. The torsion axle 47 isconfigured to provide dampening to reduce frame loading, stress andvibrations as the header 10 is transported along a rough surface (forexample). Conventional transportable headers do not include any type ofsuspension system, such as the torsion axle 47.

It should be understood that the torsion axle 47 may vary from thatwhich is shown and described. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat the torsion axle 47 may be replaced with a suspension system 57(shown schematically in FIG. 5B, only) in the form of a shock absorber,spring, coil spring, leaf spring and/or damper, for example, that is/areconnected between the frame attachment structure 43 and the rotatablearm 49. Alternatively, the header may include both the torsion axle 47and the suspension system 57.

Referring now to the features of the torsion axle 47 shown in FIG. 6,the torsion axle 47 generally includes an inner element 68 and an outerelement 74 that is disposed about inner element 68. The inner element 68is fixedly connected to (or forms part of) the rotatable arm 49, and theouter element 74 is fixedly connected to (or forms part of) the frameattachment structure 43. Alternatively, the inner element 68 is fixedlyconnected to (or forms part of) the frame attachment structure 43, andthe outer element 74 is fixedly connected to (or forms part of) therotatable arm 49. Damping elements 68 are disposed between the innerelement 68 and the outer element 74. In use, as a load is applied to thewheel 51 during transport, the inner element 68 rotates within outerelement 74 causing a rolling, compressive resistance in the dampingelements 88. The damping elements 88 deform to absorb and dampen loadsand prevent or substantially reduce transmission of the jolts,vibrations, etc. of uneven road surfaces outside the outer element 74 toother components of the combine header.

The elongate inner element 68 may be composed of a material such assteel, having an angular sectional shape and opposite longitudinal ends.The elongate tubular outer element 74 may be composed of steel. Theouter element 74 has an angular sectional shape having a largersectional size than a size of the inner element 68. The outer element 74is oriented in angular offset relation to inner element 68 such thatcorner portions 76 of an inner surface 78 of outer element 74 aredisposed generally oppose flat portions 80 of an outer surface 82 ofinner element 68, defining spaces 84 therebetween. The inner element 68and outer element 74, for example, each have a rectangular shape andmore preferably a square shape, such that spaces 84 are generallytriangular shaped. Additionally, inner element 68 and outer element 74are relatively rotatable laterally, that is generally about alongitudinal axis 86 therethrough.

The elongate resilient damping elements 88 are disposed in spaces 84,respectively, such that forces urging the lateral relative rotation ofouter element 74 and inner element 68 will act to exert compressionforces against damping elements 88, respectively. In an embodiment, thedamping elements are elongate cords of a resilient elastomeric materialsuch as, but not limited to, a natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or amixture of the two, although it should be recognized that otherelastomeric polymers or other compositions could be used. The dampingelements 88 are configured and disposed about inner element 68 forresiliently opposing relative rotation of elements 68 and 74. Thus,largely resisting significant physical deformation when subjected toloads exerted by the weight of the frame of the combine header duringtransport. Further details of the torsion axle are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,803,040, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The torsion axle 47 may vary from that shown in FIG. 6. For example, theelongate resilient damping elements 88 may combined into a singleelongate resilient damping element that surrounds the entire outerperimeter of the inner element 68. The single elongate resilient dampingelement may be bonded to both elements 68 and 74 to enable controlledrelative rotation between the elements 68 and 74. The cross-sectionalshape of the elements 68 and 74 may also vary, and may be circular,hexagonal or triangular, for example.

The transport system of the present disclosure has been described andshown in the context of a header for a combine. The transport systemcan, however, be used in other implements that have a great width duringfield use. Planters and tillage implements are two examples of wideimplements for which special provisions are needed for transport of theimplement on a road. The transport system of the present disclosure canbe integrated into these and other implements, without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

In light of the foregoing, it should thus be apparent to those skilledin the art that there has been shown and described a combine header,wheel assembly, and suspension system for a deployable wheel of anagricultural implement. However, it should be apparent that, within theprinciples and scope of the invention, many changes are possible andcontemplated, including in the details, materials, and arrangements ofparts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature ofthe invention. Thus, while the foregoing description and discussionaddresses certain preferred embodiments or elements of the invention, itshould further be understood that concepts of the invention, as basedupon the foregoing description and discussion, may be readilyincorporated into or employed in other embodiments and constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, thefollowing claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as wellas in the specific form shown, and all changes, modifications,variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from thespirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by theinvention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed:
 1. A transportable agricultural combine headercomprising: a frame; and a wheel assembly attached to the frame, thewheel assembly including: (a) at least one spindle to which a wheel isconfigured to be mounted; (b) a rotatable arm connected to and extendingfrom the spindle; (c) a frame attachment structure attaching the atleast one spindle and the rotatable arm to the frame, wherein the frameattachment structure is moveable with respect to the frame between aretracted position for stowing the wheel in a non-use position and adeployed position for engaging the wheel with the ground, wherein therotatable arm is connected to the frame attachment structure such thatthe rotatable arm moves along with the frame attachment structurebetween the retracted position and the deployed position; and (d) asuspension system interconnecting the rotatable arm and the frameattachment structure for reducing stress on the frame as theagricultural combine header is transported, and wherein the rotatablearm is rotatably connected to the frame attachment structure by thesuspension system, wherein the suspension system comprises a shockabsorber, spring, coil spring, leaf spring and/or damper that is/areconnected between the frame attachment structure and the rotatable arm.2. The transportable agricultural combine header of claim 1, wherein thesuspension system is a torsion axle, and the torsion axle includes anelongate inner element, a tubular outer element having a largersectional shape than the inner element and disposed around the innerelement, and one or more of the dampers in the form of elongatedampening elements disposed in the spaces therebetween, wherein theouter element and the inner element are rotatable with respect to oneanother.
 3. The transportable agricultural combine header of claim 2,wherein the inner element is either fixedly connected to or forms partof the rotatable arm, and the outer element is either fixedly connectedto or forms part of the frame attachment structure.
 4. The transportableagricultural combine header of claim 2, wherein the inner element iseither fixedly connected to or forms part of the frame attachmentstructure, and the outer element is either fixedly connected to or formspart of the rotatable arm.
 5. The transportable agricultural combineheader of claim 2, wherein each dampening element of the torsion axle isan elastomer.
 6. The transportable agricultural combine header of claim1, wherein movement between the deployed and retracted positions iseither manual or automated.
 7. The transportable agricultural combineheader of claim 6, further comprising an actuator for moving the wheelassembly between the deployed and retracted positions.
 8. Thetransportable agricultural combine header of claim 7, wherein theactuator is a hydraulic cylinder.
 9. The transportable agriculturalcombine header of claim 1, further comprising a cutter bar attached tosaid frame.
 10. An agricultural combine harvester comprising thetransportable agricultural combine header of claim
 1. 11. A wheelassembly for a transportable combine header, the wheel assemblycomprising: (a) at least one spindle to which a wheel is configured tobe mounted; (b) a rotatable arm connected to and extending from thespindle; (c) a frame attachment structure for attaching the at least onespindle and the rotatable arm to the frame, wherein the frame attachmentstructure is moveable with respect to a frame of the transportablecombine header between a retracted position for stowing the wheel in anon-use position and a deployed position for engaging the wheel with theground, wherein the rotatable arm is connected to the frame attachmentstructure such that the rotatable arm moves along with the frameattachment structure between the retracted position and the deployedposition; and (d) a suspension system interconnecting the rotatable armand the frame attachment structure for reducing stress on the frame asthe combine header is transported, and wherein the rotatable arm isrotatably connected to the frame attachment structure by the suspensionsystem, wherein the suspension system comprises a shock absorber,spring, coil spring, leaf spring and/or damper that is/are connectedbetween the frame attachment structure and the rotatable arm.
 12. Thewheel assembly of claim 11, wherein the suspension system is a torsionaxle, and the torsion axle includes an elongate inner element, a tubularouter element having a larger sectional shape than the inner element anddisposed around the inner element, and one or more of the dampers in theform of elongate dampening elements disposed in the spaces therebetween,wherein the outer element and the inner element are rotatable withrespect to one another.
 13. The wheel assembly of claim 12, wherein theinner element is either fixedly connected to or forms part of therotatable arm, and the outer element is either fixedly connected to orforms part of the frame attachment structure.
 14. The wheel assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the inner element is either fixedly connected to orforms part of the frame attachment structure, and the outer element iseither fixedly connected to or forms part of the rotatable arm.
 15. Thewheel assembly of claim 12, wherein each dampening element of thetorsion axle is an elastomer.
 16. The transportable agricultural combineheader of claim 1, wherein each of the spindle, rotatable arm and theframe attachment structure are oriented perpendicular with respect toeach other in both the retracted and deployed positions.